About Council #9053

Knights of Columbus: A Legacy of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity Since 1882

Thanks to the efforts of venerable Father Michael J. McGivney, assistant pastor of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven and some of his parishioners, the Connecticut state legislature on March 29, 1882, officially chartered the Knights of Columbus as a fraternal benefit society. The Order is still true to its founding principles of charity, unity and fraternity.

From his own experience, McGivney recognized the devastating effect on immigrant families of the premature death of the father and wage earner. Many Catholics were still struggling to assimilate into the American economy so he, with a small group of parishioners, as a mutual aid society, began to provide financial assistance in the event of the men’s deaths to their widows and orphans. The organization developed as a fraternal society. McGivney was also known for his tireless work among his parishioners.

The Knights of Columbus was among the first groups to recruit blood donors, with formal efforts dating to 1937 during the Great Depression.

Officers and Directors

OCEAN CITY COUNCIL #9053	2024-2025 OFFICERS
Chaplain, Father and SK Lance Martin	410-289-0652
Grand Knight, SK Kenneth Hidenfelter	410-703-2623
Deputy Grand Knight, SK John Sharkey	610-329-5651
Chancellor, Chuck Lutz	410-208-3065
Warden, SK Wayne Straight	302-988-1683
Recorder, Chris Bean	301-440-0865
Financial Secretary, SK Dale Shepard	952-807-3239
Treasurer, SK Thomas Foglesong	240-353-0681
Lecturer, David Dancer	240-506-7857
Advocate, SK Bill Van Horn	301-461-3660
Inside Guard, SK Richard Thomas	610-304-9773
Outside Guard, SK Richard Fox	443-966-2200
TRUSTEES
3 Yr—SK Thomas Herwig	410-960-9019
2 Yr—SK Charles O’Brien	302-988-1498
1 Yr—SK Deacon Joseph Carraro	410-250-8237
CONVENTION DELEGATES
SK Kenneth Hidenfelter, GK	410-703-2623
SK Thomas Herwig, FN, PGK	410-960-9019
Alt. Delegate, SK Wayne Straight, PGK, PFN	302-988-1863
Alt. Delegate, SK Joseph Gangi, PGK, PFN	973-600-0775
Exemplification Team Captain	Open

CHAIRMEN/DIRECTORS/MANAGERS
Bar Manager, SK Richard Thomas	610-304-9773
Bingo, SK Thomas Anderson	410-641-5752
Charity Committee Chairman, Open	Open
Faith Director, SK Steve Mastbrook	302-604-2694
Community Director, SK Thomas Herwig	410-960-9019
Computer Specialist, John Rubino	301-938-9239
Family Director, SK John Sharkey	610-329-5651
Hall Rental Manager, SK Richard Thomas	610-304-9773
Kitchen Manager, SK Kevin Hughes	410-726-8946
Knight Times Editor, SK Thomas Foglesong	240-353-0681
Membership Director, Jack Kelly	410-258-5663
Life Director, SK Kevin Hughes	410-726-8956
Program Director, John-Paolo Celozzi	443-859-7666
Public Relations, SK Thomas Foglesong	240-353-0681
Retention Director, Jack Kelly	410-258-5663
Sick and Distressed, Chuck Lutz	410-208-3065
Ways & Means Chair, SK Thomas Foglesong	240-353-0681
Youth Director, SK Eddie Mardaga	443-220-5286
Youth Director, SK John Sharkey	610-329-5651

Welcome from the Grand Knight...

My name is Ken Hidenfelter, I am the Grand Knight of Council 9053 Ocean City MD. In the Knights of Columbus organization, each council has a Grand Knight, similar to a company CEO. There are thirteen Officers that ensure that we are true to our core values of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity. I joined the Knights because a friend invited me. It was not just the invitation but what he said: “as a Knight I would be part of something greater than myself”. As a Catholic man with a family of three children I was doing all the right things, but something was missing in my spiritual life. I did not have a group of friends with the same Catholic values and parenting beliefs. What I found after I became a Knight was a group of men with like values and morals, who cared about the Church, family, and our country. I met men who had different backgrounds, age differences, and different family experiences. Looking back, I wished I had joined the Knights earlier in my life. I would have had a group that would have given me support in Catholic parenting and marriage. The charitable fundraising activities answered my internal search of how I can answer Jesus’s call to help those in need and less fortunate then myself. My charity effort along with the men in the Council is a multiplier in Charity giving. The fellowship I experience with my fellow Knights is rewarding. As you surf our website, maybe you will find areas that interest you or fill a need that you have been searching for. It is easy, send a note to talk to a brother or click on the join button. You will be amazed at the changes that will happen in your life, God Bless.

Weekly Update from the Grand Knight

19 November 2024

Vivat Jesus,

Ken Hidenfelter Grand Knight

Worthy Brothers, I hope you had a good week. Let’s all pray for our brothers, their spouses and families and Lady Knights who are ill or who just need our prayers. Check out the Nov. Knight Times (see web koc9053.com) for the list of people needing prayers. Come and say the rosary on Thursday at 10 o’clock Columbus Hall. The call-in rosary line is working. Dial in at 10:10 for the start: call 848-220-3100, ID 905300#. Last week there were two brothers and Lady Knights who called in. It is open to all and a great way to end the week.

I would like to thank the entire breakfast team for their efforts last Saturday. We served 99 people and will be able to donate approximately $850 to Tunnels to Towers Veteran organization. Thanks to the 21 brothers who joined us on Saturday for breakfast. I would like to thank Wayne and the other Brothers who prepared and ran the Veterans Day celebration. As usual, the Assembly and 4^th Degree Brothers did a great job recognizing our veterans.

Thursday November 21^st is the Memorial Mass for the Knights and Lady Knights that have passed away in the last year. We have sent invitation letters to the families inviting them to come and join us in the Celebration of Mass. I will remind each of you, these men were our fellow Knights of Columbus Brothers. They all contributed to our charity fund raisers, held positions of responsibility, and help shape the future of the Ocean City Knights. If it were your biological brother, would you go to his memorial Mass? Then please attend, show the families that their loved ones were important to us. If you need a ride, call someone or call me.

Thanks for those brothers who have volunteered for the Holy Savior bazaar. I am looking for someone who can shuck oysters for Friday and Saturday from 2-3:30PM. If you have the skills and can help, please call or text me.

Remember the Council challenge goal of 10 new members by Christmas. Get out there and recruit! We all know at least one good Catholic friend that would make a great Knight. Talk to him and share your experiences. The registration process is EASY and online. Here are the steps: go to KOFC.ORG, select join. Here is a link to help with the online form: https://www.kofc.org/en/resources/for-members/membership-growth/online-membership-application-walkthrough.pdf. Questions, talk to Worthy Brother Jack Kelly.

Note: The blood drive is Wednesday November 27th From 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Lord, what can WE do today!

Knights’ motto: Make a difference in someone’s life

Events for November

Communications

The council meeting minutes are now available for viewing on our website. We encourage community members to regularly check the Council Meeting Minutes section to stay informed and engaged.

The Knight Times is now available for viewing on our website. This digital access allows residents to stay connected and well informed about local events, council decisions, and community developments.

Upcoming Events

Discover what’s happening in our community! Explore our Events page to discover more upcoming gatherings.

Rosary Hour

The Rosary Hour is back on Thursdays at 10:00 a.m.

Thanksgiving Day

Ways and Means

via Zoom

Blood Drive

BINGO – Team 4

Come enjoy Bingo Friday Nights! Doors open at 5 p.m. and Bingo

Wednesday, November 6th, 2024 - 6:30 p.m.

The next council meeting will take place at the Knights of Columbus, Ocean City Hall:

9901 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842

Members are encouraged to attend and participate. The agenda and related documents will be available for review via email and the meeting minutes will be available on our website.

Contact Us

We appreciate your interest in our organization and look forward to hearing from you. Please use the form below to get in touch with us.

Additional Contact Information

If you prefer to contact us directly, you can reach us through the following means:

Location

9901 Coastal Hwy
Ocean City, MD, 21842

Phone

(410) 524-7994

Knights of Columbus: Empowering Catholic Men to Lead, Serve, and Make a Difference

The Knights of Columbus welcomes men from diverse backgrounds, celebrating role models who embody leadership and service. Our organization fosters a commitment to protecting and defending communities in today’s world. Together, we’re empowering Catholic men to live their faith at home, in their parish, at work and in their community. Join us today and become part of a brotherhood dedicated to making a positive difference in the world!